Kim Graham
Garden Design Studio

Mirroring the local environment

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I wanted to imitate the lane leading to the house along the driveway, I did this by adding trees to either side of the driveway.The driveway is created using a sand coloured hoggin. The drive runs the full width of the property, and offers parking space for three cars, including a garage. I created a circle drive around the existing Ash tree to make it easier for cars to get in and out of the property. I also chose to do this so the kids have a bike riding route up and down the driveway.

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Kids only zone

 

I have dedicated the northern side of the garden for kids, where they have ample grass space to play ball games, and set up play equipment which can be left out and won’t become an eye sore, or an annoyance to their parents.

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All about the entrance

 

The front door entrance is framed using single pergolas; these will be decorated with climbing roses, creating a beautiful reception. The roses chosen are highly fragranced which will be a wonderful welcome to any visitor.

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Important position

 

The flower bed between the garage/home office and the house has a bird bath as a focal point. This bird bath will be placed so it can be seen from the office and the living room of the house.

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Connecting the journey

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There is a grass path on the western side of the house which connects the driveway,and kids grass play area to the back of the garden. This pathway is lined with stunning ornamental grasses and flowering evergreens which are both soft and inviting. This journey takes you through a timber picket fence gate, which separates the front and back garden to allow the family to keep their dog to one side of the garden as required.

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Choose your path

 

Coming through the timber gate the path splits; going straight will take you down to a slightly sunken, fire pit area. This fir pit area is completely surrounded by large stones with costal plants added in and around them. The large existing Ash tree and the tall ornamental grass hide this area from the direct eye line of the house, creating intrigue, and privacy. This fire pit area has a gorgeous view of the river and will be an extraordinary place to entertain, or relax.

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The perfect deck

 

If you turn left where the grass path split, you will be welcomed by an infusion of colour and interest. The deck is angled to receive the warm midday and afternoon sun, with the promise of spectacular sunsets. The deck is given shade by the use of a pergola decorated in climbing Honeysuckle. This climber has a gorgeous fragrance and is adored by wildlife, so sitting on this deck will guarantee a relaxing atmosphere. The deck faces onto a natural swimming pool which can be used in summer and enjoyed as a focal point in winter.

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Natural swimming pool

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A gravel path leads from the front of the deck through ornamental grasses, and pond plants to a bridge which will provide hours of entertainment for the family kids and their friends. It will also be the perfect place to lay a towel and enjoy a book.The gravel path circles back to the glass conservatory which is kept private by the use of three Birch trees. These trees will also hide the overhead power lines.

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Seasonal BBQ

 

The glass conservatory will allow for the family to entertain all year round. With the use of bi-fold doors which will surround the conservatory, it can be completely opened up so the family will feel as if they are dining outside. The window which opens into the conservatory from the house links the house kitchen to this space. This will allow for the family to easily pass things back and forth. The window is opened by sliding it upwards so will not become a nuisance. The conservatory will be kitted with a gas BBQ, a small sink, some counter space, and a double bar fridge. This will all run against the house wall.

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Family, friends, fun

 

Walking out of the conservatory, away from the deck will bring you to an open grass space. I pictured this space being used by children when the family is entertaining.

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Feeding the family

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There is a grass path way which leads off this grass area through a costal rockery into a large vegetable garden. With 4 large raised beds the family should be able to grow enough to feed them all comfortably. The small green house will afford them an early start time to sow their vegetables, fruit and herbs, or allow them to extend the growing period. The three composting bays ensure the family is able to recycle their waste and use the compost on their raised beds. The vegetable garden will be surrounded by the same dry stone wall as the boundary to prevent the dog from causing issues, and separate it from the rest of the garden to create interest and encourage visitors to journey into this part of the garden to see what’s behind the wall.

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A space for business

 

Coming out of the vegetable garden, and following the pathway going through the timber picket fence, you will get to a small deck which is connected to the home office. This deck will allow for the family to work outside when the weather permits, to meet with clients in an environment which mirrors their business, or it can be used for a coffee break. The deck stretches along the side of the garage and brings you back to the driveway. I chose to design it this way so the office is separate from the house, keeping the home private when client meetings happen. The two trees on either side of the timber picket fence create further privacy, so clients cannot see directly into the family garden.

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A wildlife garden

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There are strategically placed bird houses, feeders and baths, insect and hedgehog hotels, and log piles to encourage wildlife into the site and create habits in the garden. The planting plan was created specifically to support the local wildlife, while adding powerful colour and scent into the space.

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Closing note

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I absolutely loved creating this garden, I wish I lived here!

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Design and write up by Kim Graham